Business Connection: Laughing and Shopping at Recess

Recess Boutique owner Michelle Israel, her employees and customers are laughing and enjoying a mid-afternoon on a Friday. They are folding clothes while the customers are trying on shirts from off the rack. A customer was on his way out and thanked Michelle for saving him and putting him in good graces with his girlfriend. Another customer told me that hours pass in the store because it is a blast, but did not want her named listed, laughing, to avoid her husband’s judgment.

Michelle took a moment to talk to Winchester Patch about owning a popular and lively shop in town.

WP: How long have you been here?

MI: Four years now.

WP: What would you tell someone who had no idea what this shop was like?

MI: People come to hang out and shop. I think a lot of people come here just to hang out. We’re very laid back. You could come and get something for everyone from a new baby to grandma.

This is a great place to get something for your girlfriend, hang out, have some coffee, watch reality T.V. and relax. We always have stools out for people and about 20 coffee mugs in the back for regulars to drink coffee and talk about life. It’s very cozy. People really get to know us. We would rather be a fun place to hang out than a place that hustles the sales.

It’s always busy all year round accept for July when things are quiet in town.

WP: What’s your most popular seller?

MI: Our number one seller is the bracelet bar. We literally sell hundreds. We sell a ton online via Facebook nation wide. Couple years.

WP: How did you wind up in this business?

MI: I’ve been in retail forever. My husband pushed me to go out on my own. It’s fun to have a small family company in a town like Winchester. We have tons of ideas and we want to bring the coolest, hottest, must-have items out there.